That's the current settings in use. A first day player (noob) doesn't stand a chance against a player who's played for a month (vet) simply because the month player has more money on his ship. The first day player could have played SS for 5 years, and the month player, well, a month! With this new system, the first day player (true vet) is evenly matched, at least in ship. Time doesn't determine who wins or loses, it's all in your brain to make the best setup, and in your skill. The true noob should always be crushed by the true vet! There won't be those newb's in disguise as vets, hiding behind items.